Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Playa Jaco

Playa Jaco, is a vibrant coastal town known for its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. While it's not a large city, it does offer a selection of international and bilingual schools catering to the expatriate community. Among the most popular are the Falcon International School and the Hermosa Valley School, both of which are known for their high-quality education and multicultural environments. Here are some of the international and bilingual schools within a short drive from Playa Jaco that are suitable for expat children.

Falcon International School

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade
Location(s): Herradura, just north of Jaco
Website: www.falconinternationalschool.com

Falcon International School offers a bilingual education with an American-style curriculum that incorporates Costa Rican culture and Spanish language. The school is accredited by AdvancED and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service programs. With state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse student body, Falcon International School is dedicated to fostering a global perspective among its students.

Hermosa Valley School

Grades: Preschool through 8th Grade
Location(s): Playa Hermosa, a short drive from Jaco
Website: www.hermosavalleyschool.com

Hermosa Valley School is known for its bilingual program and commitment to environmental education. The school follows a U.S. curriculum and emphasizes hands-on learning and outdoor activities. With small class sizes and a close-knit community, Hermosa Valley School provides a nurturing environment for children to grow academically and socially.

La Paz Community School

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade
Location(s): Playa Flamingo, within driving distance from Jaco
Website: www.lapazschool.org

La Paz Community School is an internationally accredited bilingual school that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for high school students. The school's mission is to instill a sense of community and environmental stewardship while providing a rigorous academic program. La Paz boasts a diverse student body, representing over 30 nationalities, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade
Location(s): Brasilito, accessible from Jaco
Website: www.criacademy.com

Costa Rica International Academy, or CRIA, is an American-accredited school that provides a U.S.-based curriculum with a global perspective. The school emphasizes English language proficiency while also offering Spanish language classes. CRIA's facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and sports fields, and the school is known for its strong athletics program and commitment to community service.

TIDE Academy

Grades: Kindergarten through 12th Grade
Location(s): Tamarindo, a reasonable drive from Jaco
Website: www.tideacademy.com

TIDE Academy is a boutique school that offers a flexible learning environment for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. With a focus on individualized education, TIDE Academy provides a blend of traditional and experiential learning opportunities. The school is known for its surf and outdoor education programs, which take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings of Costa Rica.

Journey School of Costa Rica

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade
Location(s): Guanacaste, within reach from Jaco
Website: www.journeyschoolcostarica.com

Journey School of Costa Rica offers a bilingual, environmentally focused curriculum that encourages students to explore and learn from the world around them. The school promotes a holistic approach to education, integrating academic excellence with emotional and physical well-being. Journey School's unique programs include farm-to-table initiatives and community-based projects.